Four final conceptual designs selected for Gothenburg Cable Car. Image from forlivochrorelse.se.

As part of Gothenburg’s 400th year anniversary celebrations in 2021, the city is working towards building Sweden’s first Cable Propelled Transit (CPT) system. The proposal, first initiated in 2013, is envisioned to improve public transport access to four different station areas — Lindholmen, Västra Ramberget, Wieselgrensplatsen, and Järntorget.

This year in January, the City Planning Committee (Swedish: Byggnadsnämnd) gave its support for the proposal and by the end of this year, the city will complete its procurement for the project’s Technical Supplier. Before City Council makes a final financing decision on the cable car in 2019, several studies will be ongoing throughout 2017 and 2018. Included in this work program was an architectural competition where four final designs have now been presented to the public.

Urban gondola conceptual design by Group A. Image from forlivochrorelse.se.

Urban gondola designs by Group B. Image from forlivochrorelse.se.

Urban gondola designs by Group C. Image from forlivochrorelse.se.

Urban gondola designs by Group D. Image from forlivochrorelse.se.

Between now and December, residents have the opportunity to view the cable car designs in five different exhibitions throughout the city. Afterwards, the four proposals will be assessed by a panel of experts before the final winner of the competition is announced in February 2018. Until then, the teams behind each of the designs will remain a mystery.

All of the designs presented provide glimpses into how Gothenburg’s skyline may be altered in the near future. Compared to renderings of other urban cable car projects, the ones from Gothenburg are amongst the most creative and imaginative we’ve ever seen. Some seem to take their inspiration from existing urban gondolas such as the Koblenz Rheinseilbahn and the Emirates Air Line. Given the high quality submissions, judges will likely have a difficult time selecting the winner.

Based on our gut feeling at this time, we certainly have a feel for our favourite design. What about you? To see the complete collage of conceptual renderings, please click here.